Antler is my go to suitcase as well. The longest lasting set so far actually was purchased from EFC when they were a sponsor. Many of my suitcases come and go with 25-30kg.
My most recent Samsonite has lasted 1 trip. Awaiting Cathay claims process cause it looks like they didn’t handle the bag very well. If that fails then off to Samsonite. Basically all the stitching has come off the top handle so the handle now sits half loose.
3 votes suitcases
0 votes the duffle.
Seems like the suitcase is the way to go. Have to be with wheels though i assume or there wouldnt be much point?
Not planning on checking any electrical gear.
Four wheels and don’t buy that cheap are the wheels can be the weak point. Antler stuff is good, and so is Samsonite usually, but it is expensive just for the name.
I have whims and sometimes when I travelled it would be all checked luggage and no hand luggage, and others it would be all hand luggage. We have this great case on wheels that just meets the size specs for cabin luggage and you can fit lots in it. If they ever made me weigh it, I would be in trouble.
another vote for Antler. I’ve had mine ten years, it’s survived three overseas trips and over 150 changes of housesit address!
The beauty of Antler now too is that since they were taken over by Strandbags the warranty is fantastic.
Definitely go for a wheeled bag.
I had a non-wheeled duffel/backpack type for years before making the switch nearly a decade ago. It really is chalk and cheese. The ease and convenience means managing baggage is pretty much a non-issue.
The 2 wheel/4 wheel issue is less clear cut. Others have told me that the 4-wheel types are more manouverable and easier to manage. No reason to believe this is not the case. Mine’s a 2-wheel and I manage perfectly well.
As another poster mentioned don’t skimp on quality. The wheels and handle are the most vulnerable points and at the cheaper end these are generally not as good and won’t last. Mine’s an Eagle Creek, the other half has a Swiss brand. Both have been hauled around European cobbled streets and on/off every conceivable mode of transport for a decade and are still in pretty much pristine shape.
Beware the suit/garment style carrier on wheels. Some of them are too wide and not so easy to manoeuvre.
If they are wider than your body ( which they often are) there’s a problem
I got a Samsonite OC2Lite. 4 wheels. 75cm.
Im travelling around Europe and South Africa with it for the next 6 months+ So far it’s great. Much more manoeuvreable than my mates case, who has a 2 wheel job.
Oh, and I got a cloth cover /protector for the luggage. Minimises scuff marks
Yeah ive found some luggage places mention they come with inline skate quality wheels as a feature
Ill get to the shops rather than online i think. Good luggage is important. Last thing you want is the thing breaking in transit and on your travels
good idea. I went to Strandbags in the city as they had a 40% sale and I wanted to physically see it.
Enjoy Madrid? I love the art galleries and the tapas bars with all the flamenco there!
Has to be Qantas baggage handler proof.
You can always checkout the online prices once you’ve picked out the one you want in the flesh. This is what I did.
Oh yeah normally the salesmens pretty good when i ask him if he can deal close to whats online.
If a shop doesn’t budge on something like luggage then they shouldnt be in business.
Im sure its hard to find the good stuff though. (Hardy, long lasting but doesnt scream steal me either)
You’d think it’d be an open and shut case.
pack it in
Little Miss B is happy as a pig in you-know-what. Lounge around by the pool holidays have never been my thing, but I could probably get used to this… Phuket being, you know, 33 degC and humid and all…
I reckon I’d rather be bodysurfing in the ridiculously warm ocean, but not in the rippy, dumpy waves they have currently… they have trouble writ large upon them…
